Nutritional Benefits of Japanese Oysters

For a bon vivants everywhere AUTUMN represents cooling off, reaping rewards and delectable tantalizing abundance. In this "cornucopia season", Hokkaido has a great variety of seafood. Among them, you can enjoy the great taste of OYSTERS, which are easily digested and contain an excellent balance of nutrition. In this months issue, I will introduce you to the health benefits of oysters and to the great Hokkaido Oyster Event Let's take a look into these tasty and healthy clams, and hopefully, I'll you'll be able to take home a few pearls.

The Notable Nutrients in Oysters

In western countries, oysters are called the "Milk of the Sea", because oysters are as nutritious as milk. Recent studies, however, have revealed that the tasty clams are even more abundant in various nutrients than milk. The following is a list of the notable nutrients in oysters. - Glycogen Glycogen is a carbohydrate stored in animal tissues and becomes glucose when absorbed by humans to provide energy. The intake of glycogen strengthens the function of liver. In this "oyster season", oysters are packed with more glycogen now than at any other time during the year. - Amino Acid As you've probably noticed, there are many kinds of amino-acid drinks available. Amino acids play a very important role in the human body. Some amino acids cannot be synthesized from the other food components, so these essential amino acids must be obtained from your food. The protein in the oyster contains some amino acids such as glutaminic acid, cysteine, and taurine etc. These amino acids may sever to neutralize poisons, and eliminate the poisonous matter from body. - Vitamins and Minerals Oysters contain Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and C. Zinc, a requirement for human growth, good blood flow and sexual maturity, is also present. Calcium, iodine, and iron are also plentiful in oysters. In addition to these abundant nutrients, oysters are easier to be digested than other shellfish, so they are easily absorbed by children and elders and serve to enhance the stamina of people with digestive troubles.

The Health Benefits of "Taurine"

If you have tried "energy drinks", you may have noticed "taurine" on the label. This amino acid has been reported to be effective in the treatment of various medical conditions. Here's a short list. - Cardiovascular disease - High cholesterol - Epilepsy - Macular degeneration (Eye condition) - Alzheimer's disease, - Hepatic disorders - Alcoholism As you have seen, oysters have various health benefits, but don't forget not to eat "bad" oysters, which can cause food poisoning very easily.

Akkeshi Oyster Festival

It is true that we live in Asahikawa, which is not near the sea, so getting fresh oysters is difficult. But you can eat as many oysters as you want at the Akkeshi Oyster Festival. Akkeshi Town, which is located between Obihiro and Kushiro, is also known as "Oyster Town" and is very famous for it's Oyster Festival in autumn. There are various attractions, including a grab-your-oysters and saury contest, and a Karaoke contest. Of course you can enjoy a great variety of oyster cuisine too! The attraction will be held on October 1st, and the festival continues to the 9th. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the delicious oysters in Akkeshi!